Efficacy of vaginal therapies alternative to vaginal estrogens on sexual function and orgasm of menopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Via a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, researchers evaluated data on menopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) concerning sexual function and use of vaginal therapies, other than vaginal estrogens. Non-hormonal therapies (vaginal laser, lubricants/moisturizers, phytoestrogens and lidocaine) and hormonal therapies (dehyadroapiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone and oxytocin) constitute the vaginal therapy alternatives to VE. All relevant studies showed improvement in dyspareunia and vaginal dryness. Compared to estrogens, lubricants had lower sexuality scores. DHEA 0.5% showed similar results regarding orgasm domain vs placebo. Same sexual satisfaction and sexuality score were seen when testosterone was compared or added to estrogen therapy. The available data, seems inadequate to provide counseling in menopausal women regarding the effectiveness of vaginal therapies as an alternative to estrogens, on all parameters of sexual function